Ventilating rib panels



MalCh 14 1967 F. G. HEIMANN VENTILATING RIB PANELS 3 SheetsfSheet lFiled Deo. 28, 1964 I N VEN TOR.

' March 14, 1967 F. G. HEIMANN VENTILATING RIB PANELS March 14, 1967 F.G. HEIMANN VENTILATING RIB PANELS n 5 Sheets-sheet s Filed Dec. 28, 1964R O T N E V m United States Patent O 3,308,738 VENTILATING RIB PANELSFred G. Heimann, Mount Clemens, Mich., assigner to Fruehauf Corporation,Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Filed Dec. 28, 1964, Ser. No.421,508

7 Claims. (Cl. 98-6) This invention relates generally to interior panelsfor a vehicle, and more specifically, to interior panels which areparticularly adaptable for lining the interior of a refrigerated vehiclesuch as heavy duty over-the-road trailers, and the like.

In refrigerated trucks, trailers, railroad cars, or the like, it isnecessary and desirable that the refrigerated air be directed along thesides of the payload as well as across the top. In this manner theentire payload is maintained in a refrigerated condition, thetemperature within the interior of the trailer or car is stabilizedavoiding unwanted temperature gradients and the most effective flow ofair is achieved. Certain prior art constructions are designed to achievethe aforementioned desired results but the resulting structure isexpensive to construct, involves structures which reduced the payloadcube of the interior of the vehicle and are not adapted to certainconfigurations of load containers.

For example, one such construction involved the use of urethane foamwhich is in immediate Contact with the outside wall construction and theinterior surface thereof is covered with aluminized kraft paper. Theinterior liner panels are installed at least 1/2 inch away from thekraft paper with batting material placed at approximate 18 inchintervals in the area of the vertical posts of the exterior wallconstruction for spacing purposes. Cold air is then allowed to enterthis 1/2 inch wall space from the bottom thereof and is directed throughthe space and up to the top where it exits through appropriate openings.

It is seen that a construction of this type, while serving to directcold air between the source of heat, the exterior wall, and the cargo,is relatively expensive to construct and the interior panels arerelatively poorly supported. Also, the panels do not contain thenecessary cold air ducts positioned adjacent the payload for purposes oftemperature stability. In the construction described, the cold air ductsare between the kraft paper and the panel, precluding direct contact ofthe air with the cargo.

In certain other prior art constructions, a panel is suitably fastenedto the exterior wall construction of the trailer and ribs are formed onthe inwardly facing surface of the panels as by fastening lumber to thefiat panel or molding the lumber into a panel fabricated of a plasticmaterial. In this type of construction the insulating foam is generallyformed between the exterior wall construction and the at panel describedabove. In this instance, the presence of the ribs constructed in theforegoing manner' sharply reduces the cross-sectional area of the airpassageways formed between the flat panel and the payload cartons. Also,a further problem in the above described prior art rib occurs when thecargo is in a sack form, such as may be found in trailers haulingpotatoes and like goods. In this situation, the cargo sacks would blockoff the effective air flow between the ribs by occupying the spacebetween the ribs. Thus, a condition is created of an undesirabletemperature gradient adjacent the blocked portion of the passageway.

The instant invention is calculated to alleviate or sharply reduce theseproblems in its novel unitary construction of the interior liningpanels. As will be seen as the description proceeds, the panels of theinstant invention contain within themselves the necessary cold air ductsto provide a uniform flow of air throughout all sides of the cargoadjacent the wall or ceiling construction. The panels of the instantinvention are preferably formed of exice truded plastic members whichare suitably fastened together and attached to the vertical post of theexterior trailer wall construction. In this way the construction of theinterior wall is simple, inexpensive and strong in use.

Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide animproved interior wall construction.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improvedwall construction for use in the interior of refrigerated trailers orother types of vehicles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an interior wallconstruction for a refrigerated trailer wherein cold air ducts areformed both interior of the panel and also immediately adjacent thepayload.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an interiorpanel construction for a refrigerated trailer which increases the airfiow capability over prior art constructions.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide aninterior panel construction for refrigerated trailers wherein the ribsmay be closely spaced so that irregular shaped payload containers willnot constrict the air flow.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide aninterior panel which is constructed to decrease the amount of insulatingfoam required over prior art constructions.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide aninterior panel construction which is inexpensive to manufacture andsimple to install.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide aninterior panel-construction of the type described which is strong in useyet maintaining a thin profile in cross section.

Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will becomeapparent from a consideration of the following description, the appendedclaims and the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE l is a side view of a tractor-trailer combination with a portionof a trailer cut away to illustrate the interior lining panels embodyingcertain principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the section of the interior panel of FIG.1 illustrated in circle A thereof;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the panel construction of FIG. 2taken along line 3 3 thereof;

FIG. 4 is a perspective View of the panel construction of FIG. 1illustrating one method of fastening the panel to the vertical posts ofthe exterior wall construction of the trailer;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a portion of the panel construction ofFIG. 1 illustrating a modified method of fastening the panel to thevertical ribs of the exterior wall construction of the trailer;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the panel of FIG. 5 taken along line 6-6thereof;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a modification of the interior panelconstruction of FIG. 1 illustrating certain other features of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the modified panel construction of FIG.7; and

FIG. 9 is lan exploded plan view of the interior panel construction ofFIG. 8 takenV along line 9-9 thereof illustrating the cold air ducts andthe method of overlapping adjacent panels.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 to 3, thereis illustrated a tractor 12 and a trailer 14 combination which issuitably refrigerated by an air refrigerating unit 15. Thetractor-trailer combination which are formed to incorporate certainprinciples of the present invention. As is the common practice, aplurality of vertically disposed posts 22 are attached to the outer wallskin 18 by welding or the like which serve as means for attaching theinterior lining panels 2t) to the trailer walls 16 and also serve torigidize the side walls 16. A space 24 is formed between the outer skin18 and the inner lining walls 20 which may be foamedV in situ or sheetsof foam placed therein for insulating purposes, as is well known intheart.

As is seen particularly in FIG. 3, the inner liner wall 20 is fabricatedof a plurality of panels 28 which are preferably formed of extrudedFiberglas reinforced polyester plastic but may be formed of any suitablestructural material which may be extruded or molded. With the advent ofcertain extruding techniques, it is possible to extrude the panelsthereby making the liner assembly simple and inexpensive to construct,The exterior surface of the panel is preferably formed relativelysmoothly without the use of surfacing gel-coat.

As is particularly seen in FIG. 3, the panel 28 is formed of an outerwall member 30 and an inner wall member 32 spaced therefrom, defining aduct 36 therebetween. A plurality of suitable reinforcing struts 38 and48 are connected between the outer wall member 38 and inner wall member32 to provide additional rigidity to the panel 28 and divide the duct 36into a plurality of relatively smaller passageways. As is seen, thestrut members 38 and 40 are disposed at angles relative to each other togive the passageways 36 the general configuration of a trapezoid, anextremely strong structural geometry.

The wall panels 28 are fastened to the post 22 by means of fastenerassemblies 44, 46 which pass through apertures 48 and S0 formed in panelmembers 28. The side edges of the panels 28 are provided withoverlapping flanges 52, 54 and it is seen that the flange 52 is offsetfrom the outer surface of the wall member 30 thereby allowing the flange54 to be fitted between the post 22 and the flange 52. In this way arelatively smooth outer surface is presented to the vertically disposedpost 22 for fastening purposes. A plurality of recessed portions 58 areformed intermediate the ends 52, 54 of the panels 28 to provideadditional fastening portions for the panel 28. The number and spacing`of these portions 58 are determined by the width of the panel 28 andthe structural rigidity of the complete inner wall lining which isdesired. v

From the view illustrated in FIG. 3, it is seen that the panels 28 forman extremely rigid structure while maintaining a slim profile, therebyincreasing the allowable load cube within the trailer. The space 24 maybe suitably foamed with a plurality of known foaming materials after thepanel has been installed. With the continuous and smooth surfacepresented to the area 24, it is seen that the panels 28 may be easilyremoved should one become damaged or otherwise unusable. The ducts 36described are connected to the ceiling eaves constructed in the trailerand provide a smooth and high volume flow of cold air between the floorand ceiling of the trailer.

The upper portion of the panel 28 is fastened to a ceiling member 62,which may take the form of an L-shaped channel with one leg generallyaligned with the ceiling and the other leg generally parallel to theouter wall member 18. FIG. 4 illustrates one preferred method offastening theupper portions of the panels to the member 62 whereinanaperture is formed in the inner wall member 32 to permit a head 66 of afastening means 68 to pass therethrough and abut the outer wall 30 ofthe panel member 28. lThe shaft 70 enters the post members 22 and aVsuitable nut or, in the case of a rivet, the backing portion isfastenedy onto the shaft 70. A series of these fastening means 68 areprovided along the upper and lower edges of the panel member 28.

An alternate method of fastening the panel 28 is illustrated in FIGS. 5Vand 6 wherein the upper and lower edges of the inner wall member 32 arecut away at an angle with the horizontal to form an open area in frontof a portion of the outer wall 30 thereby exposing the fastener 68therein. In this way the assembly of the panels 28 to the posts 22 isfacilitated and the user, during the assembly, is not encumbered in hismovements. This alternate method of assembling the upper and lowerportion of the panel to the frame members 62 also opens the upper andlower portions of the passageways 36 to the freer flow of air, therebyenhancing the cooling characteristics of the panel members 28.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, there is illustrated an alternativeembodiment of the panel members illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6. A linerassembly 7 8 is illustrated as being attached to the outer skin 18 bymeans of a set of fasteners 72 which suitably attach the liner assembly'70 to the posts 22 as described in conjunction with FIGS. l to 7. Thefastener 72 may be of the rivet type or a bolt 78 and wing nut 80. As inthe embodiment described above, a space 84 is provided between the outerskin 18 and panel member 70 to provide an area for the installation of afoamed material, thus insulating the outer skin 18 from the interior ofthe trailer.

The panel assembly 70 comprises a plurality of panels 88 which arepreferably formed of an extruded Fiberglas reinforced polyester plastic,as in the embodiment described above. The panels 88 comprise acontinuous backing member 90 having a plurality of closely spaced ductmembers 92 formed on and integral with an outer surface thereof. Theduct members 92 are seen to be relatively closely spaced for structuralrigidity and also to provide relatively small passageways between theduct members 92. In this way the spaces between ducts 92 may be keptfree of the cargo in the case where the cargo consists of relativelysmall cartons, crates or sacks of material. If the duct members 92 werewidely spaced, the cargo could position itself between du-ct members 92thereby cutting off the air passageway and providing areas of a hightemperature gradient, an undesirable condition.

It is seen that the duct members 92 are formed withy a pair of inwardlyconverging side members 94 and 96 with a flat connecting member 98 toform a generally tnapezoidal duct 100 therein. 1n this way the ducts areextremely rigid and also furnish additional rigidity to the panelmember. The ducts 108 provide a path for the flow of cooling air andthus flows air between the outer skin and the cargo contained within thetrailer.

The edges of the panel are formed with a pair of flanges 102, 104,wherein flange 104 is formed with an offset at 106 to provide clearancewherein flange 182 may lbe intertted between post 22 and flange 164.This configuration is similar to that described in conjunction withFIGS. 1 to 6, and similarly, the panel presents a relatively smoothbacking surface to the space 84.

The upper `and lower edges of the panels 74 are provided with apertureswhich are spaced between the duct members 92 to receive fasteners Vandrigidly secure the panels to the upper and lower structural members asdescribed in conjunction with FIGS. l to 6. It is seen that the detailsof ymodifying the panels 28 at their upper and lower edges illustratedin FIGS. 4 to 6 are not necessary in this particular embodiment of thepanels as the fasteners may be provided between the duct members 92 onthe flat surface therebetween.

From the foregoing it should be apparent that the instant inventionresults in a wall panel that is double wall thereby having highstrengthV to resist foam pressure load impacts. The double wall formsair passages for counter ow cooling, i.e. puts cold air at floor levelat the same time heat is being removed from side wall insulation. Theconstruction allows the use of minimum thickness side wall insulationand gives high cube capability without increasing heat gain lof cargoadjacent to the wall. The cooling medium is interspersed between theheat source (outside Wall) and the interior cargo area. This panel tiesin with the air d-ucts installed along trailer eaves.

While it will be apparent that the embodiments of the invention hereindisclosed are well calculated to fulll the objects of the invention, itwill be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification,variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fairmeaning of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A panel liner assembly for use in lining the exterior of a ventilatedvehicle having a cargo disposed therein for transportation and an outerskin enclosing said cargo, said liner assembly comprising;

a plurality of extruded panels having an outer backing wall and meansintegral therewith forming a plurality of parallel air ducts on asurface of said backing wall for directing a cooling fluid Abetween theoor and ceiling of the vehicle,

said duct forming means having a pair of converging side members andmeans connecting said side members forming a generally trapezoidal duct,

said duct forming means including an open space disposed therebetweenand being disposed generally vertically and inwardly of the outer skinand coacting with the cargo to form ducts for directing cooling fluidbetween the oor and ceiling of the vehicle,

means formed on said panels for interconnecting said panels, one withthe other, and

fastener means connecting said interconnecting means of adjacent -panelsincluding means supporting said plurality of panels relative to theouter skin.

2. The panel liner assembly of claim 11 wherein said inner wall hasmeans forming an aperture therein at Ian upper edge thereof forreceiving said fastener means in said duct.

3. A panel liner assembly for use in lining the exterior of a ventilatedvehicle having an outer skin comprising;

a plurality of panels formed of an extruded material interconnected atouter edges thereof,

each of said plurality of panels having an inner wall and an outer wallspaced therefrom forming a duct therebetween for directing a cooling uid-between the ceiling and floor of the vehicle,

rib means integrally formed with said inner and outer wall and extendingtherebetween for forming parallel passageways from said duct, and

fastener means for supporting said plurality of panels relative to theouter skin,

said rib means being formed of pairs of ribs integrally formed with eachsaid inner and outer walls and said pairs of ribs converging toward eachother and forming a trapezoidal passageway with said inner and outerwall for strengthening said panel.

4. A panel liner assembly for use in lining the exterior of a ventilatedvehicle having a cargo disposed therein for transportation and an outerskin enclosing said cargo, said liner assembly comprising;

a plurality of panels formed of an extruded material interconnected atouter edges thereof,

each of said plurality of panels having a backing wall and a pluralityof parallel ducts integrally formed with said backing wall and disposedbetween generally open surface spaces on said backing wall,

said open spaces being disposed generally vertically and inwardly of theouter skin and coacting with the cargo to form ducts for directingcooling uid between the floor and ceiling of the vehicle,

each of said ducts further directing cooling uid between the oor andceiling and including" a pair of side walls converging inwardly of thevehicle and a member connecting said side walls for forming said ductsin a trapezoidal configuration, and fastener means connecting saidinterconnecting means of adjacent panels including means supporting saidplurality of panels relative to the outer skin.

5. A container for an over-the-road vehicle comprislng;

an outer metallic skin enclosing the interior of the vehicle, 'aplurality of spaced, generally vertically disposed posts attached tosaid skin for rigidizing said skin,

foamed means disposed adjacent said skin and between said posts forthermally insulating the interior of the vehicle from the exteriorthereof,

a plurality of panels formed of an extruded material interconnected atouter edges thereof,

each of said plurality of panels having an inner wall and an outer wallspaced therefrom forming a duct therebetween for directing a cooling uidbetween the ceiling and oor of the vehicle,

rib means integrally formed with said inner and outer wall and extendingtherebetween for forming parallel passageways from said duct, and

fastener means for supporting said plurality of panels relative to theouter skin.

6. A container for an over-the-road vehicle comprisme;

an outer metallic skin enclosing the interior ofthe vehicle, y aplurality of spaced, generally vertically disposed posts -attached tosaid skin for rigidizing said skin, fo'amed means disposed adjacent saidskin and between said posts for thermally insulating the interior of thevehicle from the exterior thereof,

a plurality of panels formed of an extruded material interconnected atouter edges thereof,

each of said plurality of panels having a backing wall and a pluralityof parallel ducts integrally formed with said backing Wall and disposedbetween generally open surface spaces,

said open spaces coacting with a cargo and said ducts for directingcooling fluid between the floor and ceiling of the vehicle,

each of said ducts including a pair of side Walls converging inwardly ofthe vehicle and a member connecting said side walls for forming saidducts in a trapezoidal configuration, and

fastener means connecting said interconnecting means of adjacent panelsincluding means supporting said plurality of panels relative to theouter skin.

7. A panel liner assembly for use in lining the exterior of a ventilatedvehicle having an outer skin comprising;

a plurality of panels formed of an extruded material interconnected atouter edges thereof,

each 0f said plurality of panels having an inner wall and an outer Wallspaced therefrom forming a duct therebetween for directing a coolingfluid between the ceiling and oor of the vehicle,

rib means integrally formed with said inner and outer wall and extendingtherebetween for forming parallel passageways from said duct, and

fastener means for supporting said plurality of panels relative to theouter skin,

said plurality of panels including an upper edge of said inner wallbeing formed vertically spaced from the edge of said outer wall forexposing a portion of 'a surface of said outer wall and facilitating theconnection of said fastener means to said outer wall.

MEYER PERLIN, Primary Examiner.

1. A PANEL LINER ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN LINING THE EXTERIOR OF A VENTILATEDVEHICLE HAVING A CARGO DISPOSED THEREIN FOR TRANSPORTATION AND AN OUTERSKIN ENCLOSING SAID CARGO, SAID LINER ASSEMBLY COMPRISING; A PLURALITYOF EXTRUDED PANELS HAVING AN OUTER BACKING WALL AND MEANS INTEGRALTHEREWITH FORMING A PLURALITY OF PARALLEL AIR DUCTS ON A SURFACE OF SAIDBACKING WALL FOR DIRECTING A COOLING FLUID BETWEEN THE FLOOR AND CEILINGOF THE VEHICLE, SAID DUCT FORMING MEANS HAVING A PAIR OF CONVERGING SIDEMEMBERS AND MEANS CONNECTING SAID SIDE MEMBERS FORMING A GENERALLYTRAPEZOIDAL DUCT, SAID DUCT FORMING MEANS INCLUDING AN OPEN SPACEDISPOSED THEREBETWEEN AND BEING DISPOSED GENERALLY VERTICALLY ANDINWARDLY OF THE OUTER SKIN AND COACTING WITH THE CARGO TO FORM DUCTS FORDIRECTING COOLING FLUID BETWEEN THE FLOOR AND CEILING OF THE VEHICLE,MEANS FORMED ON SAID PANELS FOR INTERCONNECTING SAID PANELS, ONE WITHTHE OTHER, AND FASTENER MEANS CONNECTING SAID INTERCONNECTING MEANS OFADJACENT PANELS INCLUDING MEANS SUPPORTING SAID PLURALITY OF PANELSRELATIVE TO THE OUTER SKIN.